Combination pessary and vaginal suppository



Nov. 5, 1935 NK 2,020,107

COMBINATION PESSARY AN-D VAGINAL SUPPOSITQRY Filed Aug. 6, 1954 BY mu ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COMBINATION PESSARY AND VAGINAL SUPPOSITORY George A. Cruickshank, Providence, R. I. Application August 6, 1934, Serial No. 738,605

Claims.

treatment of other infections or disorders of the cervix, uterus and vagina. Pessaries are broadly speaking of two types, (1) a detachable cervical cap type constructed of material capable of repeated use,.preferably rubber which compactly fits over the cervix as evidenced in French pessaries, mizpah pessaries, pro-race 'pessaries, metal cap'pessarie's, etc. and is retained thereon partly by friction, partly by suction and partly by the rims purchase on the vaginal walls and (2) rubber diaphragm pessaries including those of the mensinga and ramses type, usually. circumscribed by a resilient member, adapted to be inserted in the vagina and retained over the upper surface thereof by having the rear end of the resilient member thereof abut the rear surface of the posterior cul de sac and the front end abut the inner surface of the vagina behind, the symphosis pubis thus substantially cutting off the upper portion of the vagina and the cervix from the lower portion of the vagina. Vaginal suppositories have consisted of material usually soluble at body temperature containing medicament andare usuallyinserted in the vagina to melt therein. These, however, have proved inefilcacious in many cases when used alone because (1) they do not always melt and their operation is therefore uncertain and (2) they do not protect the oscervix from direct introduction of infected semen.

cliaphragms' or cervical capsof rubber, metal, celluloid, etc. have been. employed, they have required the additional use of medicated supposi- 40 tories, jellies, effervescent tablets, etc. involving considerable aesthetic interference because. the cap must be lubricated with soapy water, ointment or jelly before insertion and it must be washed, sterilized and dried after use. In addition, these former types of devices are relatively complicated, inconvenient and time consuming in attaching and detaching and too expensive for the poorer class of people who suffer most from'the results of venereal infection.

An object ofmy invention, therefore, is to provide a combination pessary and suppository which is consumable in one period of use, capable of retaining its position for several hours, and designed to be thrown away after use.

A further object of my invention is to pro- Where pessaries such as the aforementioned vide an effective combination pessary and suppository, which requires no preparation whatsoever, is self -,lubricating, can be inserted in a few seconds, once in place requires no attention, it

being substantially as each to detach as to at- 5 tach, and thus'providing a device which covers the opening of the cervix, which can be attached and detached in a few seconds and can be produced at such a relatively small cost as to be within the reach of all classes of people.

A further object of my invention is to provide a combination pessary and suppository preferably having inclined inner walls so as to fit over cervices of different sizes and be closely adherent thereupon in use by suction and friction. 1

A further object of my invention is to provide a device comprising an imperforate frame or body which completely covers the os cervix -and positively cuts off any direct approach from the urethra" of the infected male to the os cervix.

A further-feature of my invention is to provide a pessary having, a body constructed of a material slowly soluble at body temperature to insure the provision of a medicament to the parts involved over a relatively long period of time as 25 contra-distinguished from an effervescing tablet, douche, etc. whose period of effective disinfection is relatively short.

A further object of my invention is to provide my thus shaped combination pessary and sup- 30 pository with an outer covering and an inner covering if desired, including a medicament, immediately soluble at body temperature, so that if inserted by the female there will: be present a relatively large amount of germ killing. disin- 35 fectant at the dangerous period. I preferably provide an outer covering to immediately release said supply of medicament in the vagina adjacent the male organ and an inner globule or covering for the inner-surface of the head of the pessary o to immediately release a supply of medicament immediately adjacent the os cervix. With the body melting at slightly above and the outer layer and the inner globule melting at slightly below body temperature, an antiseptic, medica- 45 ment incorporated in the body, outer layer and inner globule is brought into direct contact with the microorganisms which it is desired to destroy both immediately on insertionand for a relatively long time thereafter.

A further object of my invention is to pro- .vide a combination pessary and suppository which may be constructed at a very small cost, of various sizes'to fitdiilerent size cervices, made to order to fit abnormal cervices and in which by doctors prescription any desired type of medicament may be incorporated in both the inner and outer layers thereof.

Further objects of my invention are to incorporate the advantages of chemical methods with those of mechanical methods, without the attendant disadvantages of aesthetic interference at any time, trouble of caring for the pessary, expensive apparatus and difficulty of use.

A further object of my invention is to provide a pessary which as the outer surfaces thereof are immediately soluble at body temperature is self-lubricating to aid in its ready attachment in a few seconds.

These and such other objects of my invention as may hereinafter appear -will be best understood from a description of an embodiment thereof, such as is shown by the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a sectional view of the female pelvis showing my improved combination pessary and suppository in place.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of my improved combination pessary and suppository.

Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal sectional view thereof.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view thereof taken along the line 4--4 of Fig. 3.

In the drawing, wherein like characters of reference indicate like parts throughout, l generally indicates an improved combination pessaw and suppository constructed in accordance with my invention. In order that its functioning may be best understood I have shown in Fig. 1 a central sectional view through a normal pelvis of a female humanbeing showing my improved combination pessary and suppository attached around; the cervix and in this drawing I have indicated the usual pear shaped uterus II, the cervix or neck portion ll of the womb which normally projects into the vagina [5, the 0s cervix i8 or opening from the womb or .uterus into the vagina, the bladder 20, the urethra 22, the rectum 24, the anus 26 and the major and minor labia 28 at the entrance to the vagina.

My improved pessary and suppository is preferably generally of thimble shape and includes a substantially semi-spherical head 30 adapted to overlie the os cervix I 8 and side wall 32 preferably flaring outwardly as at 34 on the inner surface thereof towards the open lower end thereof tocompactly selectively engage the inner surface of the side wall thereof on different size cervices to retain it thereon by suction and/or friction. The body 36 of my improved combination pessary and suppository l0 comprises a substance slowly soluble at body temperature and containing evenly dispersed therein a suitable medicament, said body being slowly soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time.

I preferably incorporate within said body portion 35 an imperforate frame or core to act even after the medicated soluble coverin s thereof have been dissolved as a positive mechanit al barrier to direct introduction of foreign ma erial into the uterus and for this purpose I provide the core or frame 38 of paper, cloth, or other preferably fibrous material to not only strengthen the pessary, but also completely to cut off the neck of the womb over a relatively long period of time.

The frame or core is preferably imperforate and preferably also somewhat resilient. When the pessary is inserted therefore, the rim of the pessary also becomes somewhat bendable to readily accommodate the pessary to different sized cervices and permit it to be resiliently retained thereon by suction. Said frame 38 also includes the semi-spherical head 40 adapted to overlie the os cervix I8 and the side wall 42 flaring outwardly toward the open lower end 44 of said pessary for the aforesaid purpose of compactly engaging the side walls of different size cervices'to be retained thereon by suction and/or friction. Around the core 38 is compressed or moulded a body 36 preferably comprising an inner and outer covering for the walls of said frame slowly soluble at body temperature. Said inner covering 46 and outer covering 48 preferl5 ably simultaneously formed having a suitable medicament, preferablyv uniformally incorporated therein andbeing slowly soluble at body temperature are adapted to release said medicament around the cervix, and adjacent portions of the vagina over a relatively long period of time.

, These coverings 46 and 48 are designed to melt slightly above body temperature and only exude a small part of their structure at a time. These layers 48 and 48 may be made of glycerinated gelatine (as stated in U. S. P. one-half glycerine and one-half gelatine), or a combination of paraifin substantially 75% and cocoa butter 25% (oil of theobroma). The melting point of these layers may be adjusted by varying the proportions of these ingredients and by the addition of a wax such as spermaceti. II prefer the second formula because of its lubricating value. consistency, non-irritating qualities and because it keeps better. Many other,solid vegetable or ani- 36 maloils might be used as for example, palm oil, nutmeg butter, shea butter, laurel, bone fat, butter fat, hog lard, beef and mutton tallow and the melting points thereof can be adjusted by the addition of a substance such as beeswax or spermaceti. The fats; thereof may be protected against rancidity by the addition of 10% benzoin.

To provide medicaments immediately effective on the insertion of the pessary, I preferably also I provide a medicated covering 50 for the outer surface, of said layer 40 immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached,

to immediately release a supply of said medicament to immediately tend to positively kill all 50 disease germs as they are introduced into the vagina. As shown I preferably build up this outer layer 50 to provide it with substantially parallel outer side walls 52 as against the taper of the inner side walls of the layer 46 to permit it 55 to contain a relatively large medicated dose on its uppermost portion where most needed to thoroughly dispense medicament around the adjacent portions of the vagina. I also provide a medicated globuleor covering 54 for the inner surface of the head 30 of said pessary also immediately rcluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached to immediately release a supply of medicament immediately adjacent the os cervix. In the layers 50 and 54 I preferably employ cocoa butter, adjusting its melting'point at or just under the body temperature by the addition of spermaceti, or other wax. Cocoa butter has a rather sharp melting point remaining perfectly solid until this point is reached and then liquefying at once.

For the medicating of the layers 46 and 48 of body 36 and layers 50 and 54 of my improved pessary, it is apparent that a wide variety of medicaments may be used depending on the par- 76 ticular requirements of the patient. For general purposes I approve the addition of 4% boric acid, and 1% lactic acid to the base. Other formulae might contain quinine bisulphate, quinine hydrochloride, trioxymethylene powder or other strong.- er, or more specific medicaments, such as described in the standard Formulary of Phamiaceusuppository with the advantages carefully de-.

tidal Preparations or other suitable antiseptic or germicide. n

n In use,-the pessary is inserted into the vagina and pushed backwards and upwards. In general it will guide itself over the firm cervix when it may be then pressed firmly into place. It should be left for several hours after intercourse, then removed by. hooking the finger under the edge and pulling it out. Both insertion and with- -drawal are preferably done with the knees drawn up and spread apart and requiring if this atti-= tude be assumed only a relatively few seconds.

It is apparent therefore that I have provided an improved type of combination pessary and lineated above.

It is understood that my invention is not limited to the specific embodiment shown and that various deviations may be made therefrom without pended claims.

departing from the spirit and scope of the ap- What I claim is: 1. A consumable combination pessary and suppository having relatively thin walls and a substantially semi-spherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix and side walls flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof to compactly engage the side wallsof different sized cervices and be additionally retained thereon by suction comprising a resilient imperforate frame or core constructed of fibrous or like material, medicated coverings for the inner and outer walls of said frame slowly soluble atbody temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long .period of time, a medicated covering for the outer surface of said outer covering built up to provide substantially parallel outer sidewalls for said pessarytocontain a relatively large medicated dose immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached to immediately release said supply of medicament and a medicated globule for the inner surface ofthe head of said ,pessary also immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached to immediately release a supply of medicament immediately adjacent the os cervix.

2. A consumable generally thimble shaped combination pessary and suppository, comprising abody having a relatively thin substantially semispherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix and a relatively thin side wall having an inner surface flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof to compactly engage the side walls'of different sized cervices and be additionally retained thereon by suction and comprising a resilient imperforate frameor core constructed of fibrous or like material, medicated coverings for the inner and outer walls of said frame slowly soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time,

a medicated covering for the outer surface of said outer covering built up to' provide substantially parallel outer side walls for said pessary to contain a relatively large medicated dose immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached and a medicated covering for the inner surface of the head" of said pessaryalso immedicrease in diameter of the interior of the side wallthereof, and a medicated globule for the inner surface of the head of said pessary immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached.

4. A consumable combination pessary andsuppository comprising a medicated body slowly soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time having a substantially semi-spherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix'and a relatively thin side wall having an inner surface flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof to compactly engage the side walls of different sized cervices and be retained thereby by suction and a medicated coveringior the outer surface of said body built up to provide substantially parallel outer side'walls for said pessary to contain a relatively large medicated dose immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached.

5. A consumable combination pessary and suppository comprising a medicated body slowly soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time having a substantially semi-spherical head adapted to overlie the 0s cervix and a relatively thin side wall having an inner surface flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof to compactly engage the sidewalls of different sized 'cervices and be retained thereby by suction, a

medicated covering for the outer surface of said body built up to provide substantially parallel outer side walls for said pessary to contain a relatively large medicated dose immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached and a medicated covering for the inner surface of the head of said "pessary also immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached.

- 6. A consumable combination pessary and suppository comprising a medicated body slowly soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time having a relatively thin substantially semispherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix and a relatively thin sidewall having an inner surface flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof to compactly engage the side walls of difierent sized cervices and be retained thereon by suction and a medicated covering for the outer surface of said body immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached.

'7. A consumable combination pessary and suppository comprising a relatively thin substantiab.

ly semi-spherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix and a relatively thin side wall having an inner surface flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof to compactly engage the side walls of diflerent sized cervices and be retained thereon by suction including a medicated surface slowly soluble at body temperature to be additionally retained thereon by suction only slowly and completely soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time.

9. A consumable combination pessary and suppository comprising an imperforate frame or core having a substantially semi-spherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix and side walls flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof and medicated coverings for the inner and outer walls of said frame to compactly engage the side walls of different sized services and be additionally retained thereon by suction only, slowly and completely soluble at body temperature to release saidmedicament over a relative- -ly long period of time.

10. A consumable combination pessary. and

suppository comprising a resilient frame or core having a substantially semi-spherical head adapted to overlie theos cervix and side walls flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof and medicated coverings for the inner and outer walls of said frame to compactly engage the side walls of different sized cervices and be additionally retained thereon by suction only, slowly and completely soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time.

11. A consumable combination pessary and suppository comprising a frame or core having 'a relatively thin substantially semi-spherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix and relatively thin side walls flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof and relatively thin medicated covering for the inner and outer walls of said v frame to compactly engage the side walls of different sized cervices and be additionally retained thereon by suction only, slowly and completely soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time.

12. A consumable combination pessary and suppository comprising a medicated body slowly soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time having a relatively thin substantially semispherical head adapted to overlie the s cervix and relatively thin side walls flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof to compactly engage the side walls of different sized cervices and be additionally retained thereon by suction, a medicated covering for the outer surface of said body built upto provide substantially parallel outer side walls for said pessary to contain a relatively large medicated dose immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached to immediately release said supply of medicament and a medicated covering for the inner surface of the head of said pessary also immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary i0 is attached to immediately release a supply of medicament immediately adiacent the 0s cervix.

13. A consumable combination pessary and suppository comprising a resilient imperforate frame or core constructed of fibrous or like material having a substantially semi-spherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix and side walls flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof and a medicated covering for the inner and outer walls of said frame to compactly engage the side walls of different sized cervices and be retained thereon by suction only; slowly and completely soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over'a relatively long period of time.

14. A consumable combination pessary and suppository comprising a medicated body slowly soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long period of time comprising a frame or core having a relatively thin substantially semi-spherical head adapted to overlie the os cervix and relatively thin side walls flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof, a medicated covering for the inner and outer walls of said frame to compactly engage the side walls of different sized cervices and be additionally retained thereon by suction and a medicated globule for the inner surface of the head of said pessary also immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessary is attached to immediately release a supply of medicament 40 immediately adjacent the os cervix.

15. A consumable generally thimble shaped combination pessary and suppository comprising a medicated body slowly soluble at body temperature to release said medicament over a relatively long per od of time comprising a frame or core having a relatively thin substantially semi-spherical-head adapted to overlie the os cervix and relatively thin side walls flaring outwardly towards the open lower end thereof, a medicated 5 covering for the inner and outer walls of said frame to compactly engage the side walls of different sized cervices and be additionally retained thereon by suction and a medicated covering for the outer surface of said body built up to provide substantially parallel outer side walls for said pessary to contain a relatively large medicated dose immediately soluble at body temperature when said pessaryis attached to immediately release said supply of contraceptive medicament.

GEORGE A. CRUICKSHANK. 

